Diversity, inclusion
and belonging

We make room for each other

Much can be said about the diversity work at companies around the world. And a lot is said. Unfortunately, it often ends there.

Not because companies don't want to do something about it, they usually do. But diversity work requires commitment and perseverance. You can't just make a decision at board level, post an inspirational text on your website and appoint one project manager to single-handedly implement all of your plans. The concept of diversity in the workplace as well as the many benefits of having a diverse workforce must be understood, supported and developed collectively - throughout the organisation.

At Heimstaden we’re aware of the challenges and demands involved with diversity work, but we also see the opportunities. We believe that a company characterised by diversity has far better chances of being successful and remaining so. We also believe that the same principles apply in society as a whole.

The nature of our business means that we are actively involved in our society on a daily basis. Each of our tenants, from all walks of life and cultures, spread out across different countries, all form communities that are characterised by diversity and strength. But at Heimstaden, we don’t just want to work within or reflect an existing society. We want to create society – a society everybody wants to be part of.

What is it, though, that makes society better? What characterises a prosperous society? We believe that is starts when you create security and make room for everyone.

So it’s not enough to simply recruit a diverse workforce, or to employ people with different backgrounds just for the sake of it. Embracing the concept of diversity in the workplace requires a genuine desire to promote inclusion and belonging. And it goes without saying, therefore, that working conditions, rights and development opportunities at Heimstaden are the same for everyone, no matter who you are. Everyone is given the same opportunity to reach their full potential, that’s what security is all about.

It’s only when we create an environment that doesn’t require you to fit in – that gives everyone the opportunity to be themselves: to think freely, speak freely without taking expectations into consideration and to question things – that we are creating a true feeling of inclusion and belonging. Only then will we be making room for everyone.

And if there’s one thing Heimstaden is passionate about, it’s making room. Not just for our tenants and our employees, but also for new perspectives and ways of looking at things, new ideas and new developments. We make room for differences, for strength and for a feeling of security.

We make room for each other.

#makeroom

The face of a woman with dark long hair
Practice what we preach

Ellen Bergwall

Analysis and transactions, Sweden

»For the past two years, I have worked at Heimstaden parallel to my studies. I started as an office assistant and have also worked in rental administration. Now I work as a transaction assistant at the head office in Malmö. It is amazing to be able to work in different departments, get to try new things and, above all, constantly get new challenges.

There is also a supportive culture here, and I feel that managers and employees trust me. I look forward to continuing my development together with Heimstaden when I finish my studies.«

The face of a bald man with a black and blue jacket.
Practice what we preach

Sinisa Ilic

Maintenance and cleaning, Norway

»My first job at Heimstaden was as a caretaker in Oslo. I handled the maintenance of several houses and helped our customers with smaller repairs and maintenance in their homes. I was then promoted to a department that handled cleaning in all our properties and then I worked with people who moved in and moved out. Today, I am operations manager for our properties in Norway and responsible for the caretakers and cleaning staff. I have received amazing support from Heimstaden throughout the years. It’s important to have an employer that sees your potential and lets you grow with every task. It benefits our customers when we like each other and work well together.«

The face of a man with dark hair and a dark beard and a blue t-shirt
Practice what we preach

Alexandr Blashchanitsa

Repairs and service, Czech Republic

»I come from Baranovichi, 150 km from Minsk in Belarus. The job market in Belarus has been bad for a long time. Before I moved to the Czech Republic, I had worked in many different European countries. But I think that home for me is Ostrava in the Czech Republic. Now I’m a caretaker at Heimstaden and I really like my job. To renovate and do repairs is not just a job, but also a hobby for me. In our team, we have great communication and good leadership, which is important to me. My colleagues have also become my friends and spend a lot of time in each other’s company. I’m thankful för the opportunities I have got and I’m looking forward to continuing working and developing at Heimstaden.«

HeimMade

Bringing great
ideas to life

Since 2016, we've been asking all of our employees for their ideas and suggestions, with the introduction of our HeimMade concept.

Nothing is too big or small to be considered, from installing defibrillators in our offices to providing our tenants with toolboxes they can borrow at any time. Everyone's ideas matter.

HeimMade has opened the door to so many brilliant ideas, and we have our employees to thank for that. Our people make us who we are today and, thanks to HeimMade, they are also helping to shape our future.